So you’ve found the perfect rental property: great!
What’s the next step?
Negotiating the deal with the owner.
There’s only one problem …
Maybe the house is in foreclosure, maybe it’s a zombie house. Either way, you’re not sure how to contact the owner.
Here’s the good news: you’re not alone. I’ve been through this exact same scenario during my real estate investing career, and I’ve got good news for you: there are ways to find and contact the owner of the property you’re interested in.
Here’s a few of my tried and tested methods!
10 Ways To Discover Who Owns a House in Your Area
From accessing public records to utilizing online tools and local resources, the following strategies — some free, some that require a bit of cash — can provide you with the tools you need to find and contact the owner of a property and negotiate a deal.
#1: Dig Into Public Records
Simply fire up your laptop, tablet, or phone and hop onto your county’s property appraiser website.
Enter the property address, and voilà! In many cases, the owner’s name should pop up.
In my experience, this is one of the quickest ways to find the owner of a property.
Need more deets? Well, you’ll head over to the recorder’s office site. Once there, you can look up deeds, mortgages, and liens.
And while you’re at it, don’t forget about the trusty phone book — yes, they still exist. Online local directories can help, too.
#2: Visit the County Clerk’s Office
Your friendly neighborhood county clerk is the ultimate source for property info., where you can find:
- Property deeds
- Ownership history
- Liens and mortgages
And while you’re there, don’t forget to ask the clerks. They’re usually pretty helpful and can guide you through the maze of records.
#3: Check Out Property Tax Records
Property tax records can be a valuable resource too, and they are available online.
Head over to your county tax assessor’s website. Punch in the property address, and bam! You’ll see the owner’s name along with their tax history. You can also discover:
- Current and past owners
- Property value assessments
- Tax payment history
This method is great because it’s straightforward and reliable. Just remember, every county’s site is a bit different, so don’t get discouraged if it takes more than a minute to navigate.
If you prefer an in person experience, swing by the tax assessor’s office yourself.
#4: Online Property Databases
Like Google for real estate, websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, Trulia, and Redfin are popular for being virtual treasure troves of information.
Just enter the property address on any of those platforms’ search bars and may be able to find the owner’s name, property value, and sometimes even the sales history.
Some sites offer premium services for more detailed data, so if you’re okay with shelling out cash, then by all means!
#5: Explore Skip Tracing Services
Companies using advanced skip-tracing tools locate individuals 40% to 50% faster. It helps them reach out to owners regarding property acquisition or explore partnership opportunities. But keep in mind this is a paid option; skip tracing fees can require a monthly membership to a specific service.
We ranked the best skip tracing services, and you can see that ranking right here.
#6: Reach Out to Title Companies
By talking with a title company, they can help you with the following:
- They’ve got access to detailed property histories.
- They can confirm current ownership.
- They might even spot hidden liens or issues.
Some title companies might charge a fee, but the hand-holding they provide is worth it during the closing process later.
#7: Chat with Real Estate Agents
No surprise here, but real estate agents do have the inside scoop on who owns what.
Why not leverage their expertise?
Give a local agent a call or shoot them an email.
Here’s what you can expect to get in return for your efforts:
- Access to multiple listing service (MLS) databases
- The property’s history
- Insights on the market
Agents are a goldmine of info and can even help you negotiate deals. Plus, they might know of other investment opportunities in the area.
#8: Try Door Knocking
By channeling your inner extrovert, you can not only find the owner of a property, but meet and potentially start the negotiation process.
Here’s how it works:
- Walk up to the property you’re curious about.
- Knock on the door.
- Introduce yourself and explain why you’re interested.
Why does this work?
- It’s personal and direct.
- You might catch the owner in a chatty mood.
- It shows you’re serious about buying.
Be respectful and friendly. Nobody likes a pushy stranger.
And what if no one answers?
Leave a friendly note with your contact details … this is something I’ve done a handful of times.
It might feel a bit daunting, but it’s worked for me and many others!
Sometimes, the best way to find out who owns a property is through good ol’ word of mouth. Attend local real estate meetups or join online forums. Chat with other investors, realtors, and property managers.
#9: Tap into Networking
Networking can help you find and contact the owner of a property because:
- People love sharing tips and info.
- Someone might know the owner.
- You can exchange valuable contacts.
It’s yet another proven way to find and contact the owner of a property.
Route #10: Turn to Social Media
Post a query in local Facebook groups or LinkedIn forums. You’d be surprised at the number of people connected to your “target” and how helpful they’d be.
Next Steps After You Find the Property Owner
Once you find the owner of a property, what’s the next step? Communicate the following:
- Your contact info
- Why you’re interested
- Your potential offer
Or, consider hiring a real estate agent to negotiate on your behalf. They can add credibility and handle the nitty-gritty.
There you have it: my tried and tested ways to find and contact the owner of a property.
The next time you find the property of your ROI-filled dreams but don’t know how to get in touch with the owner, don’t stress. Instead, use one of the 10 proven methods in this guide to get the conversation going.
Is there a method that has worked for you that I didn’t mention in this article? If so, let me know in the comments!
